January 2026 Newsletter 
Announcements
AI is already changing how AEC firms’ market and pursue work—and those who adapt early will have a clear advantage. AI University is a three-part professional development series created for AEC marketing and business development professionals who want practical, real-world guidance on using AI effectively and responsibly.
The series explores today’s most relevant AI tools, strategic frameworks for attention and growth, and hands-on execution using ChatGPT as an operational tool. Attendees will leave with greater clarity, confidence, and actionable skills they can apply immediately in their day-to-day work.
SMPS Shout-out!
Bell Engineering, a privately owned engineering and landscape architecture firm based in Lexington, Kentucky, is proud to announce the addition of Megan Hogan, CPSM and David Howell, PE as Principals. Their selection to the ownership team reflects the firm’s continued commitment to growth and maintaining strong, long-term leadership rooted in the communities it serves.
Megan, who joined Bell’s Lexington office as Director of Marketing in 2011, offers over 20 years of marketing experience. She delivers fresh ideas and a professional, organized approach to the firm’s marketing and business development efforts. She specializes in client relations and client management while also assisting with project management needs. Megan is the first female owner in the firm’s history and this new role as Principal expands her responsibilities in the firm’s strategic planning and operational leadership.
David joined the firm as a summer intern in Bell’s Hopkinsville office in 2006 while pursuing a Civil Engineering degree at the University of Kentucky. In 2008, he began working full-time in the Lexington office while completing his Master’s degree. Upon graduating, he moved back to his hometown and joined the Hopkinsville office. With 17 years of experience, David brings expertise in structural engineering and has been instrumental in advancing the firm’s technical capabilities. As Principal, he will continue to guide the firm’s long-term technical direction.
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Qk4: Celebrating 50 Years Strong
Celebrating 50 years gave us a chance to pause and reflect on what has always mattered most at Qk4: our people. While projects and milestones tell part of our story, it’s the relationships, shared experiences, and dedication of our team that have sustained us for five decades.
Our anniversary celebrations were intentionally centered on that belief. We told our story through a professionally produced documentary featuring founding voices, current ownership, and employees from across the firm, which premiered for the entire team at a movie theater as its first public showing. We also created space for connection through a riverboat cruise and a family-friendly wildlife safari and captured our journey in a commemorative 50th Anniversary book.
As we conclude our 50 years, we honor our past and look ahead with excitement for the opportunities and challenges that will shape the next chapter of Qk4.
Watch our 50th Anniversary documentary here
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Become a sponsor of SMPS today! Contact Olivia Schmidt ([email protected]) or Jacqueline Pitts Selby ([email protected]) to learn about all the perks!
SMPS Kentucky Insider
Submit your proposal to be a speaker by February 28th!
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https://smpsheartland.org/
Member News
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Membership
Contact SMPS Kentucky membership coordinator Terri Albert ([email protected]) or Cindy Mason ([email protected]) to learn more!
